Kris and Mads

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The Great War (WWI) Overview - Part 1 Mar 13, 2026

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This is usually a fiction-loving channel, but the more we read classics and historical fiction, the more we want to know the context of what really happened. One HUGE gap we have is the First World War, or the Great War. Lucky for us, Mitch loves to read non-fiction history books and listen to history podcasts and has been amassing knowledge for like 20 years! He's joining us for a three-part series on the war to give us a little insight and fill in those gaps, so we can be prepared and knowledgeable going into our other fiction reading. Plus, our favorite fiction author of all time, J.R.R. Tolkien, fought in the First World War, so this gives us some insight into the lives of authors as well.Hope this episode is fun, approachable, and entertaining, and that you'll join us again next week as we dive into Part 2!Timestamps0:00 - Intro3:02 - What we already know about WW16:32 - Where to start with WW1 (Pre-War Context)7:37 - Here’s why you should care about WW113:00 - Setting the stage (The Major Players)17:51 - What classifies a “World War”? 19:34 - What started The Great War (The Murder of Franz Ferdinand)29:37 - The Central Powers: The Austrian-Hungarian Empire33:29 - The Central Powers: Germany43:14 - The Allied Powers: Russia46:08 - The Allied Powers: France52:40 - Initial Aftermath of Ferdinand’s murderBook Referenced for this Deep Dive:The Sleepwalkers by Christopher ClarkLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: / krisandmadssisterhood Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok: / kris.and.mads Instagram: / krisandmads All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here: / @seerayhardly This episode was edited by Daniel Pena: https://danielpena.carrd.co #BookTube #HistoryBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #worldwar1 #thegreatwar #historypodcast

all the books we read in feb Mar 05, 2026

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Is Maddie in her first EVER reading slump? We gotta get her some 5-star reads in March, or at least make her cry! Overall, Kristen had an AMAZING reading month, rating four books 5 stars! We have lots of books to discuss in this episode across genres. Grab your tea and a sweet treat for this one!Timestamps0:00 - Intro1:05 - Our February Reads3:24 - Maddie’s Reading Slump9:03 - A Clash of Kings by George RR Martin14:41 - The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow17:00 - The Correspondent by Virginia Evans 21:28 - Extremity by Nicholas Binge23:12 - I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman 26:41 - ACADIA by Sterling Nixon31:30 - Cibola Burn/Nemesis Games/Babylon’s Ashes by James S.A. Corey35:34 - Pachinko by Min Jin Lee42:22 - Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones49:14 - The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky53:51 - Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte58:08 - Wrap-up!Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: / krisandmadssisterhood Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok: / kris.and.mads Instagram: / krisandmads All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here: / @seerayhardly This episode was edited by Daniel Pena: https://danielpena.carrd.co #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Kris and Mads Reading Starter Pack Feb 25, 2026

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Welcome back, readers! 📚✨In today’s podcast episode, we’re creating the ultimate Reader Starter Pack — a guide designed to help you fall in love with more genres and get the most enjoyment out of your reading life.We’re breaking down 12 popular book genres and sharing:✔️ the best entry-level book to start with✔️ the book you can work your way up to once you’re ready✔️ how to approach each genre so you don’t feel overwhelmedWhether you’re new to reading, trying to expand beyond your comfort zone, or building your next TBR, this episode gives you a clear path into fantasy, classics, sci-fi, literary fiction, romantasy, and more.Think of this as your roadmap to becoming a well-rounded reader — without forcing yourself through books you’re not ready for yet.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:54 - Our Starter Pack!2:52 - Historical Fiction6:43 - Romantic Historical Fiction8:51 - Fantasy: Start Here!15:31 - Fantasy: Don’t Start Here…19:20 - Dystopian25:43 - Contemporary Fiction29:48 - Magical Realism36:21 - Lit Fic43:05 - Memoirs48:49 - Classics54:33 - Romantasy1:00:33 - Sci-Fi1:06:40 - Techno-Thrillers1:10:15 - Wrap-UpBooks Mentioned The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Pachinko by Min Jin Lee The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion Outlander by Diana GabaldonShowdown and Bone and Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Blood over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins The Broken Earth trilogy by N. K. Jemisin Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Secret History by Donna Tartt The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young V. E. Schwab The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen ChboskyIntermezzo by Sally Rooney Green Lights by Matthew McConaugheyMan’s search for Meaning by Viktor FranklLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottEast of Eden by John SteinbeckSerpent and the Wings of Night Sarah J Maas Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, Crescent City Red Rising by Pierce Brown Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio Techno ThrillerArtificial Wisdom by Thomas WeaverDark Matter by Blake CrouchAscension by Nicolas Binge Favorite: Silo by Hugh HoweyLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok: / kris.and.mads Instagram: / krisandmads All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here: / @seerayhardly Post production provided by Doppler Cow Studioshttps://dopplercowstudios.com #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

What if reading gets boring? Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we're coming at you like a defibrillator for your reading habit, to revive your passion for stories, in case you're in a reading slump! It can happen. Sometimes we read too much of the same thing, and it all starts to run together. That's when switching up genres, or reading something in your favorite genre that breaks the mold, is perfect! We've got ten book recommendations for you today, across genres. These books were able to subvert our expectations, do something fresh, and hook us! If you're headed toward a slump or want something to have on hand when it comes, we hope this list helps you out.Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:53 - Why we need Slump-busters3:41 - 11/22/63 by Stephen King10:45 - The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie17:03 - The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower23:54 - The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin30:55 - I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harper37:15 - Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild40:39 - The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig44:56 - Ghosts by Dolly Alderton48:16 - Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wong51:33 - Ascension by Nicholas Binge54:13 - Wrap-upLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: / krisandmadssisterhood Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok: / kris.and.mads Instagram: / krisandmads All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here: / @seerayhardly #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Romance Book Recs! Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

It's time to talk about spicy books...and more mild ones too. We're finally broaching the romance genre. What do we like? What do we hate? Which ones actually do it for us? And why!In this episode of the Kris and Mads Podcast, we’re talking about the love stories that go far beyond meet-cutes and tropes. Yes, we joke about sex (because obviously), but at the heart of this episode are powerful, unconventional romance book recommendations that explore enduring love, self-discovery, sacrifice, healing, and second chances.These are love stories that linger. Stories about choosing each other again and again. About intimacy, vulnerability, and connection — emotional and physical. Whether you love romance, literary fiction, fantasy with romantic elements, or books that blur genres, these recommendations are for readers who want big feelings and meaningful love stories.If you’re looking for romance books with depth, unconventional love stories, or book recommendations about healing, longing, and transformative relationships, this episode is for you.Books Mentioned by Category:SELF DISCOVERYAlone With You in the Ether by Olivia Blake Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid TRANSCENDENT LOVEThe Invisible Life of Addie Laure By V.E. Schwab Masters of Death by Olivie Blake The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon JimenezSECOND CHANCE HEALINGSeven Days in June by Tia WilliamsHappy Place by Emily Henry SACRIFICIAL LOVESense and Sensibility by Jane Austen The Wolf Den by Elodie HarperMORE THAN ONE LOVEThe Lost Queen by Signe Pike Outlander by Diana GabaldonCONTEMPORARY ROMANCE First Time Caller by B.K. Borison Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: / krisandmadssisterhood Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok: / kris.and.mads Instagram: / krisandmads All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here: / @seerayhardly #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

January Reading Wrapup: STARTING BIG SCI-FI & FANTASY SERIES Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

We started reading some chunky sci-fi and fantasy series in January, and had such a good time! We're embracing the "quality over quantity" mantra this year, and that means fewer books, but hopefully bangers only! Off to an amazing start with these series: A Song of Ice and Fire, The Expanse, Stormlight Archive, Malazan, and Hierarchy! And we had time for a couple stand-alones too.BOOKS MENTIONEDThe Midnight Feast By Lucy FoleyLeviathan Wakes, Caliban’s War, and Abaddon’s Gate(Books 1-3 of the Expanse Series)By James S. A. CoreyThe Way of KingsBy Brandon SandersonGardens of the MoonBy Steven EricksonStrength of the FewBy James IslingtonStonerBy John WilliamsGame of ThronesBy George R. R. MartinTimestamps0:00 - Intro2:00 - Getting into our January reads!3:10 - Our new Patreon Spreadsheet4:03 - The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley12:20 - The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey25:27 - The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson37:02 - Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erickson43:41 - The Strength of the Few by James Islington49:29 - Stoner by John Williams54:26 - A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin1:05:30 - Wrap up!Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club this month for Wuthering Heights: / krisandmadssisterhood Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok: / kris.and.mads Instagram: / krisandmads All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here: / @seerayhardly #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #stormlightarchive #malazan #theexpanse #asongoficeandfire #gameofthrones

2025 book bracket | what was our best book of the year? Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

We hate it every year, but the time has come to find out what our best book of 2025 was, bracket style! Prepare to experience us highly stressed and sweating as we go through our year of reading and choose one book to rule them all!Timestamps0:00 - Intro1:03 - How the Bracket is set up3:56 - Maddie: This Is How You Lose The Time War by Max Gladstone and Amal El-MohtarVS. The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington7:20 - Kristen: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn VS. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo 9:59 - Maddie: The Light of All That Falls by James Islington VS. The Fires of Vengeance by Evan Winer12:39 - Kristen: Our Infinite Fates by Lauren Steven VS. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen 19:00 - Maddie: Assassin’s Fate by Robin Hobb VS. The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson22:00 - Kristen: Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb VS. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir 25:57 - Maddie: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee VS. Wellness by Nathan Hill31:19 - Kristen: Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb VS. Mad Ship by Robin Hobb35:00 - Maddie: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante VS. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 39:20 - Kristen: Jade City by Fonda Lee VS. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 46:55 - Maddie: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrel VS. Speaking Bones by Ken Liu50:31 - Kristen: Piranesi by Suzanna Clarke VS. The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower 53:53 - Lightning Round56:35 - Elimination Round58:44 - Final Round & Winning Books!Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: / krisandmadssisterhood Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok: / kris.and.mads Instagram: / krisandmads All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here: / @seerayhardly This episode was edited by Daniel Pena: https://danielpena.carrd.co #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #bestbookof2025 #bookrecommendations #readingbracket #readingchallenge

2026 Screen Adaptations We Can't Wait to See Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

There's nothing like a screen adaptation that brings our favorite stories to life in a whole new way! It seems the screen gods have seen fit to bless us this year, because there are so many amazing stories coming to the screen this year. We can't wait to watch some of these while reading the books they're adapted from this year with our Page-to-Screen Book Club on Patreon! Here are the titles we're chatting about in this episode:Timestamps0:00 - Intro1:45 - People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry5:40 - The Seven Dials by Agatha Christie9:24 - Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë16:03 - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas21:05 - Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir24:08 - East of Eden by John Steinbeck29:14 - The Odyssey by Homer36:27 - Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen39:54 - Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins44:50 - Dune: Messiah by Frank Herbert50:17 - The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood55:28 - The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis1:00:51 - Wrap-upSo grateful these studios are taking on these adaptations!‪@Netflix‬ ‪@LionsgateMovies‬ ‪@PrimeVideo‬ ‪@AmazonMGMStudios‬ ‪@WarnerBros‬ ‪@PBS‬ Masterpiece‪@FocusFeatures‬ ‪@UniversalPictures‬ Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: / krisandmadssisterhood Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok: / kris.and.mads Instagram: / krisandmads All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here: / @seerayhardly #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

our 2026 tbr Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

It's ambitious and full of variety this year! We can't wait to reread some books we love, start some chunky new fantasy series, read even more classics, and pair some amazing stories with screen adaptations with our Patreon bookclub!We've never been so excited to share a list like this with you. There's something about knowing our taste, trusting the recommendations, and feeling like at the end of the year we will have read so many different kinds of books from different voices and different times, across genres. We're so stoked.We'll report back every month on what we've read and whether we recommend it! Stay tuned for weekly episodes in between featuring genre discussions, thematic topics, and more amazing book recommendations.Thanks so much for watching!Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:29 - How we built our TBR5:14 - What counts as an automatic TBR7:52 - Book Recommendations12:12 - Why we have a TBR18:25 - 2026 rules for The Wheel24:09 - Series TBR for 202636:24 - Classics TBR for 202641:39 - 5 books we’re super excited for44:58 - Re-reads for 202648:43 - What we want to read with our Patreon Book Club51:23 - What could disrupt the TBRLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: / krisandmadssisterhood Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok: / kris.and.mads Instagram: / krisandmads All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here: / @seerayhardly #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #2026tbr #tbr

Did we read our best books of the year in December? Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

How did we save all of our best reads for the very end of 2025?! Finished up some amazing series, and feel all ready to jump into some amazing reads in 2026. What were your best reads of December?!Books and authors mentioned:Tell Me LiesBy Carola LoveringThe Hound of the Baskervilles and A Study in ScarletBy Sir Arthur Conan DoyleHarrow the NinthBy Tamsyn MuirThe Story of a New NameThose Who Leave and Those Who StayThe Story of the Lost ChildBy Elena FerranteTo Sir Phillip With LoveWhen He Was WickedIt’s In His KissOn the Way to the WeddingBy Julia QuinnServant of the EmpireMistress of the EmpireBy Janny Wurts and Raymond E. FeistThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 3-8By Beth BrowerThe Veiled ThroneSpeaking BonesBy Ken LiuLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: / krisandmadssisterhood Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok: / kris.and.mads Instagram: / krisandmads All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here: / @seerayhardly This episode was edited by Daniel Pena: danielpena139@gmail.com#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

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